Hope this works! Gas tank repair.

[In The Ten Ring]

I took my behind seat gas tank over to a local radiator shop. The owner came out and personally inspected the tank: "lots of rust." I saw it too when I dumped out remaining gas at home....all brown! He thinks the tank is in great condition overall so this is what is to be done.

He'll sandblast the inside, coat with "renue" and then brush undercoat on the outside at no extra charge. The price was less than what I've seen aftermarket tanks go for and then I won't have any shipping costs or out-of-spec bolt holes to worry about.

So what do ya'll think? I may call and cancel the undercoat application as it's not needed and I like the original look of the tank.

What say you?

[JointTech]

i got mine cleaned and sprayed for $75 I think. maybe 150. its in my build thread. He also spent a bunch of time getting one of the bolts out. Mine is a saddle tank though. I got rid of the firebomb in the cab.

it doesnt leak is all I know but then it didnt leak before I brought it to him...

[Daner]

Something else I've heard the professionals do to restore tanks is acid dip, flush, then coat the inside with sealer. To sandblast I'm assuming he has to cut out a portion of the tank? Either way works well.

[In The Ten Ring]

Ya he told me he would cut out a section on either side to sand blast but he'd weld on patches. He seems like a really good guy to deal with and his shop is well-recommended.

What do ya'll think about the exterior coating? I don't think I want it on there afterall.

[bobs409]

If it were me, I'd find a good used one and call it a day.

If it really is rusty and he sand blasts it, what if it blows holes through? Will you pay for his work and get nothing?

[502ms]

Originally Posted by bobs409

If it were me, I'd find a good used one and call it a day.

If it really is rusty and he sand blasts it, what if it blows holes through? Will you pay for his work and get nothing?

Agreed. Dump it. Check CL or the board. I gave mine away when I did my build, surely someone can bless you with one. Not worth the time and money IMHO when a new one is about the same as the repair cost wise
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[slow-1]

I bought a new behind the seat tank from Classic Muscle (Modern Chevrolet) a few years back. It fit perfect and was a real quality part.

I just looked up what they carry and they are $150, made in Canada. Did the shipping estimator and it says $0 to WV.

Then you would know you will have a leak-proof tank for at least the next 35-40 years.

I can see trying to save a rare Indian Motorcycle tank, but not one of these when they are relatively cheep.

http://www.classicmuscle.com/c-19188-fuel-tanks.aspx

[Andy4639]

I have to say I would look at buying a new one. They are pretty cheap and for the cost you know what your getting where as stated if he blows holes in the tank now what do you do? Buy a new one...right. Just do it!

[In The Ten Ring]

Oops, once again, I should have waited a day before acting!

I just called Classic Muscle....I may go on and order one of theirs and just cancel the order on the tank repair. I haven't put any money down yet on the repair.

THANKS A TON GUYS! I get all excited about my truck and then make ill-informed moves....rather like govt.

[Daner]

There is something to be said for supporting the local shops. My personal rule is if the prices are within 10% of each other I buy local.

[slow-1]

I am lucky to live close enough to drive over there and get stuff. When I needed the gas tank, I needed it that day cause it was my daily driver then.

And when I was buying fenders and inner fenders, it save a bunch on shipping.

[GuyO]

Doods, this is an old thread, but . . . nothing says a quick clean up with media would "blast" a hole through it! For that matter, neither would a muratic acid bath. Do we ever consider that we just overthink almost all of this? Lets face it, if the guy breaks it, he fixes it - so what? Also, the firebomb comment really bothers me, as if 1) the tank is exposed as it is when under the rear like in a Blazer or Burban where it is much more likely to be damaged instead inside a steel cage cab and 2) raw fuel rarely burns, it is too rich or too lean! To reach the LEL or LFL (too lean) of gasoline is 1/4%, the upper explosive limit or UEL of 7.8% (too rich). Honestly, where is the risk? At least your truck isn't as likely to have a frozen fuel line and plug at the tank. Once in awhile, shouldn't we just say, "C'mon man"?